Arsenal have moved a major step closer to acquiring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with Real Madrid no longer rated as genuine competitors. The saga of the transfer of Martin Zubimendi has been ongoing through 2025, but now the Gunners seem to be in the clear as the window approaches.
Real Madrid had already been optimistic about signing Zubimendi, particularly with the appointment of former Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish titans had put the 25-year-old on a shortlist of midfield targets with other top-laden names. Optimism in that direction has since faded in the last few weeks.
Madrid’s focus has allegedly turned towards finalizing the free transfer of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, enabling Arsenal to proceed with their pursuit of Zubimendi. According to new media reports, Arsenal have now made a significant breakthrough in talks both with the player and his current team.
Arsenal Ready to Trigger Release Clause
The Gunners have clearly shown their intentions by confirming they will trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause in June. Real Sociedad have accepted the midfielder is likely to move on this summer and are now focused on ensuring the transfer process runs smoothly.
Sources of the transfer indicate that Zubimendi has already told his agents that he will take the move to North London once the clause is officially triggered. The Premier League club has also reached personal terms with the midfielder, such as a four-year deal and a huge wage hike compared to what he is on at the Reale Arena.
This decisive momentum puts Arsenal far ahead of their European counterparts in signing a player who has impressed with his composure, passing range, and positional intelligence. Zubimendi has always been the object of desire of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who considers the Spanish international a good fit for the club’s developing midfield framework.
Arteta’s Midfield Overhaul in Motion
Martin Zubimendi signing fits into Arsenal’s wider strategy of revamping their midfield over the summer. With Jorginho expected to return to Brazil when his contract runs out and Thomas Partey also likely to leave, the Gunners are keen to add new legs and positional flexibility.
Partey has drawn interest from a number of La Liga clubs, with a possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League also on the horizon. Belgium winger Leandro Trossard is also allegedly weighing up his options, with transfer rumors connecting him with potential overseas moves.
Arteta will use the midfield as the keystone of his summer rebuild. The recruitment of Zubimendi would deliver quality and consistency to the engine room of the team. Therefore, It will provide an added boost for next season’s title challenge. A defensive enforcer who is great at ball-holding, Zubimendi might be able to become an instant part of a midfield three at the Emirates almost overnight.
The Martin Zubimendi transfer appears to be one of Arsenal’s defining moments this summer. With Real Madrid changing priorities and Sociedad accepting the loss of their star, the Gunners are in a dominant position. Having already signed personal terms and prepared the £51 million release clause, Arsenal are on the verge of bringing a world-class midfield talent to the Premier League.
While Arteta gears up to rebuild his team, signing Zubimendi would be a great beginning to the summer window. Can he be Arsenal’s missing piece in midfield?
Tell us what you think—will Zubimendi be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
